KMA BOSS CUT SOD FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SANTASI MARKETKMA BOSS CUT SOD FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SANTASI MARKET

The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Samuel Pyne on Thursday May 12, 2022 cut sod for the redevelopment of the Santasi Market in the Nhyiaeso Sub Metropolitan Council of the KMA.

The colourful ceremony was graced by some Honorable assembly members of the KMA, some heads of department, the traditional authorities of Santasi, traders, and some community members.

Assembly member for Santasi electoral area, Hon. Samuel Amankwah in his opening remark said he was enthused that the project had become a reality in view of the fact that, out of several bid   to get the old market redeveloped, his wish had now been fulfilled.

Hon. Amankwah said he was so proud the redevelopment of the market had come in his tenure and added that he knows he would be remembered for, even after his time.

Madam Juliana Nsiah, the Estate Officer at KMA noted that the traders in the old market had already been registered so that they would get allocation in the new project.

She said the KMA would soon embark on an exhibition exercise of the registered traders. She also talked about the relocation of the traders to pave way for the new project.

The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Samuel Pyne in his keynote address talked about a new project the KMA was embarking on called Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (SUMP) which included the construction of satellite markets within the metropolis and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to reduce congestion in the Central Business District (CBD).

He said the redevelopment of the Santasi Market had been possible through the collaboration with an investor, ABBA CONSTRUCTION, who will be constructing the Market.

Hon. Sam Pyne added that project would benefit the traders because people from Obuasi, Bekwai, Anwiankwanta and its adjoining communities would do business with them instead of going to Kejetia which would also reduce their fares.

The Mayor also hinted that the KMA would use some of the proceeds from the market to support the Santasi community through the construction of educational facilities, health care among others.

He subsequently called on the traditional authorities to support the project, saying “the project is not going to benefit one person but traders, buyers, the community and the metropolis as a whole”.

He admonished the contractor to speed up work to ensure the completion of the project.

Hon. Sam Pyne lastly assured the KMA’s willingness to engage all the stakeholders to discuss issues pertaining to the possible ways to ensure the success of the project.

Mr. Joseph Otu, the CEO of ABBA Construction Limited, the contractor, in a brief speech assured the traders that all registered traders would get their shops back after the completion of the project.

He said the redevelopment of the market is scheduled for 24months but could be completed within 18months with the close cooperation of the traders.

According to him, the Market when completed would have social amenities such as Police Post, Fire Post, Crèche, Pharmacy, a 20-seater toilet facility and the installation of solar lights, adding that, the project would be in phases.

Nana Sei Atta II, Otumfour Sasamohene of Santasi who represented the traditional authorities in his remark thanked the market women for attending the ceremony to listen to the good news.

He said it was inevitable that in the initial stages of the project there would be challenges and therefore called on the traders to exercise patience through the duration of the construction.

The chief also called on the contractor to speed up work so that the traders would do business back effectively.

STORYAND PICS: EMMANUEL ANTWI JNR